Residents and trustees oppose Verizon cell tower proposal on Schirtzinger Road

Residents of the Ridgewood area repeatedly raised objections to a proposed Verizon cell tower at 3580 Schirtzinger Road during Norwich Township meetings across 2006, and trustees recorded multiple follow-ups with county Planning & Zoning and the prosecutor’s office.

Public commenters identified the proposed location and expressed concerns about proximity to backyards and schools. Township minutes show Planning & Zoning and County Commissioners initially opposed the tower, and trustees said Franklin County Planning & Zoning had referred a legal question to the County Prosecutor. The township planned to send a formal letter to Planning & Zoning stating its opposition.

Minutes record shifting developments: at one point an assistant prosecuting attorney’s ruling was reported in favor of allowing the tower, prompting trustees and residents to discuss limited legal remedies — notably that the township itself would likely face difficulty proving “special damages” necessary to block the permit, and that residents seeking injunctions might have stronger standing.

Trustees repeatedly pledged to keep residents informed and to coordinate with county officials and township counsel. Later minutes indicate the county required Verizon to demonstrate no feasible alternative location within the township and that public hearings with County Commissioners would address the matter.

Ending: The cell-tower matter remained under county review at the end of the year; trustees encouraged affected residents to consult counsel and planned to continue coordinating with County Planning & Zoning.